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H. E. RICE IGNITI ON APPARATUS s Shets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov; 12, 1920Z'ZYATMRNEK Jan. 20. 1925v 1,523,448

- H. E. RICE IGNITIOIi APPARATUS Filed Nov. 12, 1920 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 1N V EN TOR.

2 4% ATTORNEY.

J 20. 1925. 1,523,448 H. E. RICE IGNITION APPARATUS Filed Nov. 12, 1920I s Shets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.

25:1 ATTORNEY.

Patented Jan. 20, I925.

ITED

HORACE E. RICE, OF PHILADELIHIA, PENNSYLVANIA; KATHLEEN F. RICE ADMIN-ISTRATRIX OF SAID HORACE E. RICE, DECEASED.

IGNITION APPARATUS.

Application filed November 12, 1920.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, Honaon E. Rron, a citizen of the United States,residing .in the city and county of Philadelphia, State of Pennsylvania,have invented new and useful Improvements in Ignition Apparatus, ofwhich the following is a specification.

My invention relates to ignition apparatus for internal combustionengines, especially when comprising a large number of cylinders.

It is the object of: my invention, though it may be otherwise availedof, to provide ignition for an engine comprising a great number ofcylinders, as eight, twelve, or

more, especially when the cylinders are disposed in groups at an angleto each other, as in twin fours, twin sixes, etc, with the angle betweenthe groups dilfering from the usual angle between groups andnecessitating ignition sparks at non-uniform in tcrvals.

For example, my system is utilizable with a twin six engine in which onegroup of six cylinders is disposed at an angle of degrees with thesecond group of six cylinders, as for example, in the Liberty motoremployed upon aeroplanes in the late war.

My invention resides in ignition apparatus tor the purposes abovedescribed, or for any other purpose where suitable or available,comprising a plurality of timer or interrupter structures whose camdriven or cam controlled members are actuated or controlled by a camwhose active faces or points are uniformly spaced around thecircumterence of the cam, while the interrupter or timer structures areunsymmetrically positioned with respect to the cam to effect ignitionsparks recurring at non-uniform intervals.

My invention resides in further features of structure and combinationhereinafter described and claimed.

For an understanding of my invention and for an illustration of one ofthe various forms it may take, reference is to be had to theaccompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 'l is a diagrammatic view of the interrupter or timer structure andassociated circuits.

Serial No. 423,633.

Fig. 2. is a diagrammatic View illustrating motor cylinders or groups ofcylinders disposed at an angle with respect to each other.

Fig. 3 paratus.

Fig. at is a vertical sectional view, some parts in elevation, taken onthe line it-4 of Fig. 3, and through structure additional to that shownin Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a plan view of part of the structure shown in Fig. 4.

Referring to Fig. l, alternate spark plugs p are those of the sixcylinders or one group, and are connected to the stationary distributorterminals 6; while the plugs p connected to the stationary distributorterminals t are those of another group of six cylinders, the two groupsforming a twin SIX engine.

Ordinarily the two groups are so arranged that between their cylinderaxes there is an angle of degrees. In some cases, however, as indicatedin Fig. 2, the two cylinler groups C and C are so disposed that theangle between the cylinder axes is 4:5 degrees. Such the case in theLiberty twin six mo'ter hereinbefore referred to.

In consequence, when cylinder firing takes place alternately in theditlerent groups, the angular distance between a distributor terminal 2?and the succeeding terminal 6 is 22 degrees, while the angle betweeneach distributor terminal t and the succeeding terminal 2? is 37degrees, as indicated in Fig. 1, when the rotary distributor arm I)rotates at half engine speed.

The distributor arm D is connected to one terminal of the high tensionsecondary winding S of an induction coil I whose primary P is connectedin the primary circuit extending from the ground or frame Ur tl'iroughbattery B, switch 8, binding post a, the aforesaid primary coil I,binding post Z) to the interrupters or timers A and B, both shunted bythe condenser K, to ground or frame G.

The interrupter mechanisms A and B are shown to be similar in structure,though such similarity is not essential. In the example illustrated theyare o1 the open circuit type, an example of which is described is a planView of part of my apin Kents Patent No. 1,246,818, though it will beunderstood that my invention comprehends also the employmentof closedcircuitinterrupter-s such as illustrated, for example, in Kents PatentNo. 1,289,036. As illustrated, each interrupter comprises the stationaryinterrupter contact 1 which is momentarily engaged by the Cooperatingmoving contact 2 carried by the yieldingly mounted member 3, with whichis associated the hooked member i actuated by the intermediate or hammermember 5, pivoted at (3 and in "turn actuated by the member or lifterT-controlled by spring 8 and actuated hycam 9, rotated by and at halfspeed with respect to the main crank shaft of the motor.

The cam 9 has its control teeth, points or faces, uniformly spacedcircui'nferentially, whereby for each sixth of a revolution of the earn9, the interrupter contacts 1 and 2 of one of the interrupters engageand separate and produce a spark. Similarly, 111 the other interrupterthe contacts 1 and 2 engage and separate for each sixth revolution ofthecam 9, similarly producing a spark, but the sparks produced by oneinterrupter, as A, alternate with those produced by the otherinterrupter, as B. In other words, the interrupter A may produce sparksfor all thecylinders of one group, while B produces the sparks for allthe cylinders of the other group. lVhile the sparks in the twogroups'alternam, they do not occur atuniform intervals, as above stated-To ensure that they occur at the proper intervals or instants theinterrupters A and B are unsymmetrically placed as regards angularposition about the cam 9, whereby the interrupter A is operated, andupon further rotation of 22 degrees by cam 9 the interrupter B isactuated; there after the cam 9 rotates degrees further before againactuating the interrupter A. T he interrupters A and B are not oppositeeach other 01' displaced by 180 degrees, but by 180 degrees less 22degrees.

Accordingly, notwithstanding the fact that the cam points are uniformlyspaced, ignition sparks are produced at unequal intervals; and further,notwithstanding the fact that the cam has a certain number ofinterrupter the cam will be'rotated 30 degrees and then operate theother, and so on in succession. V r V As an example of a structureembodying my invention, reference is nowhad to Figs. 3 to inclusive,wherein 10 is a base or support upon which'is the flange Ilharing slots12 through whichmay extend bolts or other means for fastening the base10 upon the framework of the engine or other suitable support, the slots11 allowing circumferential adjustment of the base 10 before finallysecuring it. At its one end the base 10 has the inwardly turned flange12 in which are the circumferentially extending slots 13, Fig. 5,through which extend screws or bolts 14:, each carrying on its lower endthe nut 15 between which and the under side ofythe flange 12 is disposeda spring lb surrounding the bolt 14, whereby the casing 17, havingtiangel8 bearing upon flange 12, is resiliently held to the base member10, the slots 13 allowing rotation of the casing 17 through suitableangle for purposes of advancing or retarding ignition. Upon the bottomof the casing 17 is the bearing sleeve 19 within which is the bearingbushing 20 in which rotates the shaft 21 carrying a collar 22 andbeneath the collar the transversely extending bar or laminated key 23,which. detachably connects with a shaft driven by the engine or motor athalf the speed of the main crank shaft of the motor, assuming the latterto be of the type employing four strokes per cycle.

Vithin the casing 17 there is secured to the shaft 21 the governorpla-te2st, to which are secured springs 25 connected to governor arms 26pivoted to'thc plate 24: at 27 and actuating under the influence ofcentrifugal force the'cam carrying plate 28 to move the same angularlywith respect to the shaft21. Secured to the plate 28 is the cam member 9through which freely extends the distributor shaft 29 concentric withand secured to or integral with the shaft 21.

Covering the casing 17 is the metal plate 80, upon which are mounted theinterrupters A and B, a lug or lever arm 30 serving to rotate the plate30 and'the interrupters with respect tothe can'r9 for advance orretardation of ignition. Through the plate 30 extends the aforesaid cammember '9 and through it the distributor shaft 29, whose upper endterminates in the semi-circular portion 31 which with .partof thecircumferentially complete shaft 29 extends into the detachable orremovable distributor block 32 of insulating material, having thecentral boss extending through an aperture in the metallic distributormember D having the rearwardly extending balancing portion (Z. Thedistributor l) is secured to block 82 by screw 3%, threaded into aninsert 35 molded in the block 32. Secured under the head of the screw 34in contact with the distributor D is the bowed spring contact 36 whosefree end engages the part (l of the distributor.

The member 37 of insulating material, preferably molded, forms a housingfor the distributor and for the interrupter mech anisms A and B, whoseparts are mounted within the casing 37 on the upper face of the plate30, in cooperative relation with the cam 9, as hereinbefore described.

In the bottoms of depressions 38 in the upper edge of the casing member37 and extending to the inner wall or face thereof are secured theinwardly projecting distributor terminals t and t hereinbelore referredto, the outer end of the distributor D passing closely adjacent theinner ends of these distributor terminals, whereby the high tensionenergy from the secondary S leaps the small gaps between the distributorD and the terminals t and t in passage to the spark plugs. Theconnections from the spark plugs to the distributor terminals extendinto the apertures 39 terminating in smaller apertures through which theconductors themselves extend into contact with the distributorterminals, towhich they may be soldered or otherwise secured. Upon theupper edge of the casing member 37 is disposed the rubber or othergasket 40, and upon it rests the lower flange 41 of the housing orcasing 42, preferably of insulating material, within which is housed theinduction coil I which, it suitable or desirable, may be molded directlyin insulating material forming the casing 42. Forming the bottom of thecasing 42 is the plate 43, preferably of insulating material, carryingthe axial contact 44, with which engages the aforementioned distributorcontact 36 and connected to yielding contact 45 adapted to engage andcontact with the terminal 46 constituting one terminal, as 47 Fig. 1, ofthe high tension secondary S of the induction coil 1, the other terminalof the secondary S being connected to the primary P whose terminalsconnect, as previously stated, to the binding posts a and 7), comprisedin part of the bolts 48 and 49 serving to clamp the casing 42 to thecasing 37. Connection to switch 8, Fig. l, is made by conductor heldunder binding post a, Fig. 4. The bolt 49 serves also to form electricalconnection between one terminal of the primary P of the induction coiland the conductor 50, which is clamped by screw 51 in contact with thecondenser housing plate 52 secured upon the top face of the plate 30 byscrews 53, the plate 52 being, however, insulated from plate 30, whichlatter is grounded or connected to the frame by metallic communicationthrough casings 17 and 10 and flange 11, whereby the movable contact 2of interrupter A and stationai contact 1 of interrupter B, secured toand connecting with the plate 30, are grounded.

Between the plate 52 and plate 30 is held the aforementioned condenserK, whose one terminal connects with the plate 30 and whose otherterminal electrically connects with the insulated cover plate 52. Thestationary contact 1 ot theinterrupter A is supported by the lug uponthe condenser cover plate 52; similarly, the movable contact 2 of theinterrupter B connects through its resilient support 3 with thecondenser cover 52, upon which said member 3 is secured and with whichit electrically connects. Accordingly the condenser cover 52 and oneterminal of the condenser, together with the stationary contact of oneinterrupter and the movable contact of the other interrupter, areconnected through conductor and binding post- Z) with one terminal of aprimary P of the induction coil 1.

lVhile, as hereinbefore stated, other types of interrupters than theopen circuit type disclosed may be employed, there is a preference forthe open circuit type, particularly when of the structure hereindisclosed, in that back firing or premature ignition ot the motor cannotoccur, and in that auxilary apparatus for preventing back firing neednot be provided. In the example illustrated. rotation of the cam 9 indirection opposite to that indicated by the arrow, for a part of arevolution or more, will not, because of the structure and relation ofthe members 5 and 7, cause engagement and separation of the interruptercontacts essential to production of igniting sparks.

Certain of the subject matter hereindisclosed is claimed in applicationSerial No. 658,247, filed August 20, 1923.

What I claim is:

1. The combination with a 1nulticylinder internal combustion motorproducing torque impulses succeeding each other at unequal intervals, ofignition apparatus therefor comprising cam structure actuated by saidmotor, a plurality of interrupter mechanisms controlled by said camstructure having elements so positioned with respect to said camstructure that they are dissimultaneously controlled thereby at unequalintervals, and a single distributor mechanism comprising a singledistributor terminal rotatable in unison with said cam structure andco-acting stationary terminals circum terentially spaced at unequalintervals.

2. Ignition apparatus comprising a sup port, a plurality ofdissimultaneously operated interrupter mechanisms each comprisingstationary and movable contacts, a contact of each interrupter mechanismcarried on said support,a condenser common to said interruptermechanisms, and a plate confining said condenser upon said support, theother contacts of said interrupter mechanisms being supported on saidplate.

3. Ignition apparatus comprising a support of conducting material, aplurality of dissimultaneously operated interrupter mechanisms-eachcomprising stationary and movable contacts, a contact of eachinterrupter mechanism carried on said support, a condenser common tosaid interrupter mechanisms, and a plate confining said icondenser uponsaid support and insulated from said support, the other contacts oi saidinterrupter mechanisms being supported on said plate.

4. Ignition apparatus comprising a support, a plurality of interruptermechanisms each comprising stationary and movable contacts, thestationary contact of one oi said interrupter mechanisms and'the movablecontact oi another carried upon said support, a condenser common to saidinterrupter mechanisms, and a plate confining said condenser upon saidsupport, the other contacts of said interrupter mechanisms beingsupported on said plate.

Ignition apparatus for producingignition for a-multi-cylindcr internalcombustion motor at unequal intervalscomprising cam structure actuatedby the motor, a plurality of'interrupter mechanisms controlled by saidcam structure having elements so positioned with respect to said camstructure that they are dissimultaneoiisly .controlled thereby atunequal intervals, a single induction coil controlled dissimultaneouslyat unequal intervals by said interrupter mechanisms, and means .fordelivering ignition energy from the secondary of said induction coil tothe motor cylinders in succession.

6. Ignition apparatus for producing ignition for a multi-cylinderinternal combustion motor at unequal intervals comprising camstructureactuated by the motor, a plurality of interrupter mechanisms controlledby said cam structure having elements so positioned With respect to saidcam structure that they are dissimultaneously controlled thereby atunequal intervals, a single induction coil controlled dissimult-aneouslyat unequal intervals by said interrupter mechanisms, and a singledistributor mechanism comprising a rotatable distributor and (to-actingstationary terminals, at least one for each motor cylinder, saidstationary terminals being circumterentially spaced at unequal intervalscorresponding with the intervals of control of said interruptermechanisms by said cam structure.

7. Ignition apparatus for producing ignition for a multi-cylinderinternalpombustion motor at unequal intervals comprising cam structureactuated by said motor, a plurality of interrupter mechanisms controlledby said cam structure having elements so positioned with respect tosaidcam structure that they are dissin'iultaneously controlled :therebyat unequal intervals, an induction coil, said interrupter mechanismsconnected indifferent branches of the primary circuitiot said inductioncoilto break said primary circuit dissimultaneously at unequal.intervals,. and means foi idelivering ignition energy from thesecondary of said induction coil toithe motorcylinders in succession. V

8. Ignition apparatus vfor producing ignition for a multi-cylinderinternalcombustion motor at unequal intervals comprising cam structureactuatediby thermotor, a plurality of interrupter mechanisms controlledby said cam structure; having elements so positioned. with respecttosaid cam structure that :they are .dissimult-aneously controlled therebyat unequal intervals, on induction coil, saidinterrupter mechanismsconnected in different brancheso'i' the .pri mary circuit of saidinduction-coilto break said primary circuit dissimultaneously at unequalintervals, and a single distributor mechanism comprising a rotatabledistributor and co-actingstationary terminals,,at least one for eachmotor cylinder, said stationary terminals being circumferentially spacedat unequal intervals corresponding with the intervals of control of saidinterrupter mechanisms by said camstructure.

9. Ignition apparatus forproducing ignition for 1a multi-cylinderinternal combustion motor at unequal intervals comp-rising cam structurehaving uniformly spaced control faces in number one-half the number ofcylinders of said motor, a plurality of interrupter mechanisms,controlled by said can't structure having elements so positioned thatthey are dissinuiltaneously controlled by said cam structure. at unequalintervals, a single induction coil controlled .dissimultaneously atunequal intervals by said interrupter mechanisms, and mean fordelivering ignition energy from the secondary of said induct-ion coil tothe motor cylinders in succession.

10. Ignition apparatus for producing ignition for a multi-cylinderinternal com bustion motor at unequal intervals comprising cam structurehaving uniformly spaced control faces in number one-half the number ofcylinders of said motor, a plurality of interrupter mechanismscontrolled by said cam structure having elements so.

positioned that they are dissimultaneously controlled-by said camstructure at unequal intervals, a single induction COll controlleddissimultaneously at unequal intervals by said interrupter mechanisms,and a single distributor mechanism comprising a rota-t able distributorand co-acting stationary terminals, at least one for each motorcylinder, said stationary terminals being circumterentially spaced atunequal intervals corresponding With the intervals of control of saidinterrupter mechanisms by said cam structure.

11. Ignition apparatus for producing ignition for a multi-cylinderinternal combust-ion motor comprising cam structure actuated by themotor, a plurality of interrupter mechanisms controlleddissimultaneously by said cam structure and each comprising a stationaryand a movable contact, a condenser common to said interrupter mechanismsand shunting them an insulated conducting member covering said condenserand connected to one terminal of said condenser, and one of the contactsof each of said interrupter mechanisms carried by and electricallyconnected to said conducting member.

12. Ignition apparatus for a multi-cylinder internal combustion motorcomprising a cam driven by said motor, a plurality of open circuitinterrupter mechanisms controlled dissimultaneously by said cam, asingle stationary induction coil Whose primary circuit is controlleddissimultaneously by said interrupter mechanisms, a. battery in saidcircuit, and a single distributor distributing high tension current fromthe secondary of said induction coil to the cylinders of said motor.

13. Ignition apparatus for a multi-cylinder internal combustion motorfor producing ignition at unequal intervals comprising a cam driven bysaid motor, a plurality of open circuit interrupter mechanismscontrolled dissimultaneosuly and at unequal. intervals by said cam, asingle induction coil, a battery in the primary circuit of saidinduction coil, said interrupter mechanisms controllng said primarycircuit dissimul taneously at unequal intervals, and a singledistributor delivering high tension ignition energy from the secondaryof said induction coil at unequal intervals to the cylinders o'l aidmotor.

14. The combination with a multi-cylinder internal combustion motorproducing torque impulses succeeding each other at unequal intervals, ofignition apparatus therefor comprising cam structure actuated by saidmotor, a single induction coil, a plurality of interrupter mechanismscontrolled by said cam structure at unequal intervals and separatelycontrolling said induction coil, and a single distributor mechanismcomprising a distributor terminal rotatable in unison With said camstructure and coacting stationary terminals circumferentially spaced atunequal intervals.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my signature this 11th dayof November, 1920.

HORACE E. RICE.

